Canyoning near Castellane in the Saint-Auban Gorge
Half-day canyoning route located 40 minutes from Castellane.
The Saint-Auban Gorge is a sporty, fun, and highly aquatic canyon where jumps and natural obstacles follow one another in quick succession.
This half-day water adventure is suitable for both beginners and experienced participants (swimming ability is required). However, a good level of fitness and confidence in the water are recommended to fully enjoy the experience.
Whether you are a thrill seeker or simply looking to discover a spectacular natural environment, this canyon is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories.
Data sheet: Clue de Saint-Auban
- DifficultyAthletic
- PeriodFrom May to September
- Minimum age14 years old
- Approach hike5 min
- Return hike10 min
- Activity duration2h15 / 2h30
- Total duration3h30
- Equipment to bringSwimsuit, sports shoes, and a water bottle
- Meeting point9:00 AM or 1:00 PM, Saint-Auban Canyon parking area, Saint-Auban (06850)
- Mandatory jump3 meters
- Mandatory abseilingNone
- Price55 € / pers.
The Saint-Auban Canyon is a spectacular descent along the Esteron River, right in the heart of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park. This route is considered both sporty and fun, with a continuous succession of obstacles including jumps, natural slides, and abseils, interspersed with white-water swimming sections and short river walks.
Who is it for?
This canyoning trip is ideal for groups of friends (bachelor and bachelorette parties, birthdays, etc.), families (children aged 14 and over), or couples looking to share an exciting aquatic adventure filled with thrills and unforgettable moments in a stunning natural setting.
When?
The water levels in this canyon make it accessible over a long season, typically from May to September, with higher flows during the spring months. With no approach hike and only a very short return walk, you can maximize your time enjoying the canyon itself.
Where is it?
The Saint-Auban Canyon is located near the small village of Saint-Auban, in the Alpes-Maritimes department, approximately 40 minutes from Castellane by car.
The route lies in the heart of the Préalpes d’Azur Regional Natural Park, between the French Riviera and the Verdon Regional Natural Park, home to the famous Grand Canyon du Verdon.
Your Questions, Our Answers
Before booking your canyoning adventure, you may have a few questions — especially if it’s your first time. That’s perfectly normal.
Here you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about the activity, including the required level of fitness, the equipment you'll need, and the booking process.
If you can't find the information you're looking for, feel free to get in touch. We'll be happy to help and provide any additional details you need to prepare for your trip.
No, previous canyoning experience is not required. This canyon is suitable for active beginners in good physical condition. However, it is more demanding than an introductory canyon and is designed for those looking for a more dynamic and adventurous first canyoning experience.
To go further:
If you would prefer to book a more accessible canyoning trip, we invite you to discover the Haut-Jabron canyoning route. If you are looking for a full-day experience, feel free to explore our full-day canyoning trips near Nice in the Alpes-Maritimes. For experienced and highly athletic participants, our canyoning route in the Haut-Verdon, in the Lance River, offers a more demanding adventure.
Full activity description: Saint-Auban Canyon
When you make your booking, we will provide you with detailed directions to the meeting point parking area. It is located in the commune of Saint-Auban, about 40 minutes from Castellane (Alpes-de-Haute-Provence), a popular destination for outdoor activities and white-water sports in the Verdon Gorges (hiking, climbing, canoeing, kayaking, rafting, aquatic hiking, stand-up paddle, lake swimming, and more).
From the meeting point, your state-certified instructor will organise a shuttle system between participants to ensure that, at the end of the canyoning descent, you can easily return to your vehicles. Your car keys will be kept safe and dry throughout the activity.
Your guide will provide all the necessary technical equipment for safe canyoning, including a full neoprene wetsuit (jacket and trousers), neoprene socks, a helmet, and a harness equipped with safety lanyards. You will need to bring your own swimsuit or swim shorts and a pair of trainers, which you will wear throughout the activity. Suitable canyoning footwear should be closed sports shoes with a non-slip, fairly rigid sole.
After a short walk along the river, you will reach the starting point of the Saint-Auban canyoning descent. Your certified instructor will help you get equipped and will give you all the necessary safety instructions before the start of this outdoor adventure, so you can enjoy a fun and dynamic half-day full of thrills in an exceptional natural setting.
The beginning of the route features an aquatic slide and several jumps (the highest jump reaches up to 8 metres), perfect for adrenaline seekers. Jumps up to 3 metres are mandatory, while higher jumps remain optional. The following slides are technically easy but very fun and aquatic. After a first narrow section with impressive limestone formations, the canyon gradually opens up. You will reach a large turquoise pool where a 30-metre zip line launches you directly into the water—an unforgettable experience.
The adventure continues through a stunning narrow gorge where waterfalls follow one another. You will overcome them using rope techniques (abseiling), small slides, or optional jumps of up to 8 metres. Before each obstacle, your instructors will provide safety instructions and support you throughout, encouraging you in a friendly and motivating atmosphere. Group dynamics and the instructors’ guidance often help even the most hesitant participants overcome their fears and complete the bigger jumps.
Finally, a 10-minute walk along a trail will bring you back to the parking area where your vehicles are located, thanks to the shuttle system organised at the beginning of the activity. This marks the end of your white-water adventure.
Please note that there is no scheduled picnic break during this sporty outdoor activity, but you are welcome to picnic at the parking area before or after your canyoning trip.
If your accommodation is located near Lake Sainte-Croix or the Grand Canyon of the Verdon (Moustiers-Sainte-Marie, La Palud-sur-Verdon, Les Salles-sur-Verdon, Bauduen, etc.) and the travel time feels too long, feel free to contact us to discuss alternative options. Depending on water levels and conditions, we offer canyoning trips across the PACA region, from the Verdon Gorges and Lake Sainte-Croix to the Upper Verdon Valley, as well as the Alpes-Maritimes and Var regions, including the Vésubie and Tinée valleys.